Yesterday alone, some reports emanating from Spain and of course, the British tabloids aren't exempted - blatantly suggested the move could be happening right under our noses. In spite of the fact that the Fifa 2010 World Cup tournament is ongoing, they believe a deal, which could favour both parties is imminent.
Although the Gunners have already rejected an opening bid from the Catalan poachers, thought to be in the region of £29m, Barcelona's corporate director general Joan Oliver has refused to throw in the towel on this unending pursuit yet, claiming Cesc Fabregas will part company with Arsenal presumably during the tournament, which is already in full swing.
Joan said: "Cesc has arrived in South Africa for the World Cup, but there are a lot of football people there. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Barcelona representatives will be there."
Although a transfer seems highly unlikely given the club's stance on the purported transfer, Arsenal's 43-year-old ex centre back Martin Keown, has refused to be decieved and believes Arsenal will definitely succumb to pressure from Spain to sell, probably not for a mouth-watering price as we all expect.
Keown said: "Fabregas will certainly leave. What we are seeing at the moment are long, protracted, drawn-out negotiations between Arsenal and Barca.
"Arsenal are showing their early position and Barcelona are looking to get him for as cheap as they can.
"If Fabregas' body language is wrong, he's such an-important figure, then he has to go. We trust Wenger to make the right decision for the football club.
"The move to Barcelona is something that has been in his mind for some time. He wants to go back to where he began, but at the same time he wants to be respectful to Arsenal and to Arsene who has nurtured him through.
"It must have been difficult for him to see Arsene Wenger and ask for the move."
